Fresno State announced the appointment of Thomas C. Esqueda Thursday as the first associate vice president in water and sustainability at the university, according to a news release.

The position was created to help Fresno State in its mission to become the “Water University,” according to Provost Lynnette Zelezny.

That effort includes partnering with various industry and government agencies and promoting water research at Fresno State in the areas of water quality, conservation, delivery systems, supply development, recycling and drought-tolerant crops.

Esqueda, a Central Valley native, is currently the director of Public Utilities for the City of Fresno. Esqueda said he has dedicated 29 years to serving communities by providing solutions for water issues. He said he sees the opportunity to work with Fresno State is “an ideal match,” the news release stated.

As associate vice president in water and sustainability, Esqueda will facilitate community partnerships and develop water and sustainability programs on campus.